A north-east man who was kidnapped by Nigerian pirates has warned others of the dangers of working in the west African oil industry.
Joe Westland, who spent most of his career in the North Sea, was taken hostage from a supply vessel and held at gunpoint for four days.
Starved and threatened with being burned alive, Captain Westland said he was still traumatised and claimed oil and gas workers who travel to Nigeria are not made sufficiently aware of the risks.
“A lot of people go out there to work and they don’t know what they are going to,” he said.
“I have been there 11 years and hadn’t had a problem – but it only takes once.
“It messes up your whole life. I would not advise anyone to go there.”
Captain Westland was working for PW Group, an Irish and Nigerian company, which paid £50,000 ransom for his release.
Initially the pirates had demanded £750,000.
It is understood he is seeking compensation from his former employers, having been unable to work since his return.
Prior to moving to Nigeria, the Aberdeen-born man worked in the North Sea oil industry, as well as a stint as a fisherman.
He was skipper of the Admiral Nelson based near Iceland during the “cod wars”.
“I am from north-east fishing stock. We are a resilient bunch of hardworking people,” he said.
“I have faced hardship at sea and tough weather conditions as a skipper. I have been driven by the need to look after and protect the vessel and the crew. However, nothing prepares you for being kidnapped by pirates and held at gunpoint.”
His ordeal was also a trauma for his wife, Helen, who was at their home in Montrose when he was abducted in May.
He said he was grateful to the police who stayed with her day and night for four and a half days until he was released.
“My wife wasn’t allowed to tell anybody, not even my daughter, because they were scared it would affect the negotiations,” said Captain Westland.
“I am obviously still recovering from the ordeal and receiving medical help. While I was kidnapped I contracted malaria, which required medical treatment.
“I was utterly exhausted and traumatised by the experience.
“I still can’t sleep. I think about it every day. Everybody says it will get easier, but I see the faces and the guns all the time.”
Recommended for you
